The finger of destiny
"By now you will have seen lots of us around the office sporting glorious tashes and while it’s fun to do, it’s actually about something much more important: raising awareness for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer.
So we’re growing moustaches to spark conversation and raise funds for men’s health. It’s like No-Shave November, but with more style and purpose. Because let’s face it, nothing says “check your prostate” like a handlebar moustache, (not that I’ve seen anyone in the office with that particular moustache… disappointing).
Now, prostate cancer might not seem like a funny topic, but here’s the thing: if we can talk about it more openly and with a dash of humour we can save lives. So let’s dive into the hairy (and not-so-hairy) details.
Prostate: The Gland We Never Knew We Cared About
First off, let’s clear up some confusion. The prostate isn’t just a thing men complains about when they hit 50. It’s a small gland that plays a big role in the male reproductive system. And while it’s usually content to stay out of the limelight, sometimes it decides it wants to be the star of the show. That’s where prostate cancer comes in.

Signs Your Prostate Might Be Plotting Against You
Frequent urination, especially at night. Because who doesn’t love stumbling to the bathroom in the dark?
Weak or interrupted urine flow. Imagine turning on a faucet, only to get a drip instead of a stream.
Difficulty starting or stopping urination. It’s like your bladder turned into a stubborn toddler.
What to Do About It
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t panic but don’t ignore them either. Talk to your doctor. Early detection is key!

The Power of the MO
Grow that moustache with pride. Every time someone asks you about it, you have a perfect opportunity to talk about prostate cancer. It’s like having a furry billboard on your face. And who knows? You might save a life

"I came out as gay when I was thirteen.

First to my mum who was supportive. Then to my friends who were thrilled.
Then to my aunt who was confused. She said “Oh…so, you weren’t gay before?”

I’m one of the lucky ones.

Movember, the charity us tash’d teammates are raising money for, have the following statistic: “Globally, every minute, a man dies by suicide. In the United Kingdom, 75% of suicides are men.”
Forbes tells us that: “Young LGBT+ people are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.”

Talk to one another. Show support. Be vulnerable.
You could be the reason that statistic shrinks. "

~ Michael Wyatt
The Affinity Group

"Everyone has a responsibility in getting involved with suicide prevention:

Get Support – If you find yourself often in a depressive state, it is important you learn how to identify when you need to get support: Supporting yourself by doing the things that you love; seeking out a trusted loved one who can help you bare some of the weight; or utilising the dozens on different helplines and government support programmes to help people in these situations.
If someone you care about seems to be going through a tough time, they might not talk about it even if they want to. The first step in looking out for them is reaching out. You can’t fix someone else’s problems, but you can be there for them. Sometimes listening is the most helpful thing you can do. You won’t make things worse by asking someone how they’re doing. Keep in mind that it’s always worth preparing yourself before you start the conversation.
The money we are fundraising by making ourselves look like idiots with our moustaches is all to raise awareness for these important issues for men, but also hold massive importance in funding these support functions such as helplines and support research. Did you know that 79% of all suicides in the UK are men? This is largely due to the culture within our society that men cannot communicate their feelings and must keep them to themselves to convey strength. We have been moving in the right direction with this for some time, but there is still a long way to go. So – remember to give support where you can and identify where you need to get support!
I really do encourage anybody to speak up and if you prefer keeping these feelings private from the people in your life, please contact the helplines below:
116 123 (Samaritans)
0800 58 58 58 (Campaign against living miserably)
0800 068 41 41 (Papyrus)
0808 115 1505 (Silence of Suicide)
Text “SHOUT” to 85258 "
~ Ethan Speechley-Price
The Affinity Group

"Movember holds a special place in my heart, as I’ve faced my own challenges with mental health, especially with depression. I'm grateful that it no longer overpowers my daily life, and over the past few months, I've felt myself growing stronger mentally.

This month is so meaningful because it raises awareness and seeing so many people in the company participating makes me feel supported, loved, and valued. Your involvement reminds me of the kindness and care within our community, and it truly lifts my spirits.

Thank you all for being a part of this – it means more than words can say!"

"This month we are trying to awareness about men's mental health. For me it brings back the memory of losing my dad to cancer 9 years ago. This was a major part in my life that shaped my understanding of grief and mental health.

Losing a parent is a profound experience, I think for many men expressing emotions looks like a weakness when really opening up can relieve a lot of pain, anger and sadness. Society often pressures us to be strong and not show weakness which leads to isolation and seem like you cannot seek help or advise.

Through my experience, I learned to open up to others about my feelings especially talking to family and close friends, it taught me that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a strength.

I would encourage everyone to check in on their mental health and support those around them, For anyone who is suffering with their mental health remember it is ok to seek help and talk about your feelings."

~Sam Small
The Affinity Group